Okowa Inaugurates 42-Member State Advisory Council

Okowa Inaugurates 42-Member State Advisory Council

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday inaugurated a 42-member State Advisory and Peace Building Council with a charge on the members to sustain and deepen the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The council has Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Minister of Information, as Chairman.
Okowa named former state Deputy Governors – Chief Benjamin Elue and Prof. Amos Utuama – and Prince Sam Obi, Chief Chris Agbobu, Alawei Brodrick Bozimo, Brig.-Gen. B. Demeyeibo (rtd), Chief Mike Adiotomre and Chief Ignatius Agidi as members.
Other members included Chief Patrick Egone, Mr John Nwagimeje, Sen. Stella Omu, Mr Paul Enebeli, Sen. Patrick Osakwe, Dr.(Mrs) F. Nwaeze, Prof. E.C. Nwanze, Dr Pius Sinebe, Chief Joseph Ejigba, Chief Eddie Sorhue and Chief (Mrs) Esther Uduehi.
Also, Chief E.D. Oborfukoro, Chief Robert Ejifoma, Pa. John Edah, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief E. E. Ebimani, Chief Judith Enamuotor, Rev. Gideon Oyibo, Mr Joseph Ikhena, Chief Denis Etaluku, Prof. Sam. Ukala, Chief Jonathan Uyeri and Chief Samuel Okoro are members.
Other members are Mrs Felicia Ajagu, Mrs Theodora Giwa-Amu, Mrs Felicia Sani, Rev. Oke Akokotu, Elder Ayo Odonmeta, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba, Rear Adm. Mike Onah (rtd), Chief Magaret Unukegwo, Mrs. Grace Boyo and Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu.
According to the governor, the inauguration is part of the State Government’s effort to further strengthen the wheel of governance in the state.
“As a way of tapping from the wealth of experience of our people, it is necessary to reconstitute the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council through the appointment of these men and women of tested integrity and exemplary character.
“Let me reiterate that the appointment of the members of the council is not based on any political consideration whatsoever,” he said.
He charged the council to bring their experiences to bear on their function and create environment to deepen the peace between the state executive and other arms of government.
Okowa charged the council ensure harmony between Delta government and the Federal Government and other international bodies.
He called on the citizens to give the council the needed support and corporation to succeed while thanking the members for accepting to serve.
“I urge all of you to bring your wealth of experience to bear on this appointment,” Okowa said.
Responding on behalf of the council, Oyovbaire thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged their resolve to deliver on the assignment.
Also in an interview, Rev. Mogekwu said the appointment was a call to service, adding that the council would not betray the confidence reposed on it to sustain and deepen the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Ambassador Desmond Akawor Inaugurated As New Rivers State PDP Chairman

The new Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Council has been inaugurated in Port Harcourt.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Ikuinyi Ibani administered the oath of office on the new executives led by Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

In a charge, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike called on the new executives to work towards consolidating the gains of the immediate past Executive led by Bro Felix Obuah.

He commended immediate past Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah for leading to victory .

He said: “We had challenges at the beginning, but that Executive was committed to service. Obuah has shown capacity to deliver. It will not be easy for the new executives, but the new executives must start to prepare the party for the challenges ahead.

“Work hard to surpass the records of the past executives. Working together is key, unity is key.”

Speaking further, Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government will never condone criminality or any attempt to violate the law.

He said: “But for the steps that , the number of cases would have been more. What makes a leader is the ability to be firm. I value life more than property.

“Since 2015, we have not demolished any property. But, someone who was SSG superintended over the demolition of several properties. Now the person is talking about the draconian process.

“My joy is that majority of Rivers people love what we are doing.”

Governor Wike added that from Information from the State Health Commissioner, the State is likely to have more cases, mostly oil workers.

National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus congratulated the new Rivers State PDP Executive Committee, advising them to work for the growth of the party.

Commenting on the fight against coronavirus, Uche Secondus blasted the Federal Government for refusing to assist State Governments and provide direction for the country.

He said: “The Governors are working without help from the Federal Government. But for God, the situation would have been worse.

“Governors are running from pillar to post. We must be grateful to Governor Wike for the initiative that he took. What the Governor has done has helped to drastically reduce the number of cases.

“Rivers State is lucky to have Governor Wike at this time of crisis .”

He said those who spread negative propaganda do so out of hatred.

New Rivers State PDP Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor thanked ththe leadership and members of the party for giving him the opportunity to serve.

He said God has used Governor Wike to rebuild a new Rivers State. He saluted the resilience of PDP in weathering the storm.

Akawor assured that the new Executive will serve the party diligently.

Immediate Past PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the Executive Committee under his leadership led the party to victory since 2015.

He said that the outgone Executives will continue to work for the party to ensure future victory.

Bode George Urges FG To Relax Lagos Lockdown

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George has urged federal government to relax the lockdown it imposed on Lagos State as a result of COVID- 19 pandemic.
George, who made the call in a statement in Lagos, yesterday said the lockdown imposed since March 29 was adversely affecting livelihoods and bringing up security challenges.
He said though government intended to curb the spread of the virus with the lockdown, the directive had left many Nigerians hungry at home without palliatives.
The PDP chieftain noted that there must be a balance between curbing the spread of the virus and protecting livelihoods and asked the government to relax the lockdown while putting safety measures in place.
“Everywhere in Lagos is now locked down. The markets, banking halls, the local grocery shops, the supermarkets, the transportation services are all halted, frozen by the federal government directives since March 29.
“On the surface level, the federal government’s position is to ensure safety, prevent communal spread of the virus and banish this scourge from our shores.
“Lagosians have been staying at home for about a month now. In a largely informal economy where most of our people depend on daily wages, the burden of lack of income is devastating.
“There is a natural growing anger in Lagos as the most vulnerable are ravaged with hunger,” George said.